This medieval Slovak town has Slovakia's longest rectangular square and the tallest church spire in the country at 87 meters. A gateway to Slovak Paradise National Park.
Located near Slovak Paradise National Park, Spišská Nová Ves centers around Europe's longest lens-shaped medieval square. Walk up the 87-meter church tower for views across the Spiš region, watch a performance at the art nouveau Reduta theatre, or visit the Provincial House museum. The town comes alive during the July Spiš Fair and December Christmas Market, when local vendors fill the square with food stalls and craft displays.
Exploring the Medieval Square
The lens-shaped town square stretches longer than any similar square in Europe. At its center, the 14th-century Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary rises 87 meters high. Climb the tower's steps for views extending to the Tatra Mountains and Slovak Paradise. The 13th-century Provincial House and 18th-century Classical Town Hall line the square, maintaining their original architectural elements.
Cultural Buildings and Museums
The art nouveau Reduta building (1899-1902) houses the town's main cultural venues. Its decorated ceilings arch over a theater, concert hall, and restaurant. Next door, the Spiš Museum occupies the Provincial House, displaying regional artifacts and folk costumes. Classical music echoes through the 1790s Lutheran Church, where you can attend regular concerts in its acoustically refined interior.
Markets and Festivals
Local merchants set up stalls during several annual events. The July Spiš Fair continues a 600-year tradition with craftspeople demonstrating traditional skills and selling their work. During the August Town Days, musicians and dancers perform on the square while artisans showcase metalworking, weaving, and woodcarving. In December, wooden stalls line the square selling mulled wine, traditional foods, and handmade Christmas decorations.
Access to Slovak Paradise National Park
The trails of Slovak Paradise National Park begin just minutes from town. Hike through gorges on metal ladders, cross footbridges over waterfalls, and explore limestone caves. The tourist information center on the main square stocks trail maps and updates current conditions. Regular buses run from the town's bus station to the main trailheads at Čingov and Podlesok.
Transportation Hub
Trains connect to Košice and Žilina on Slovakia's main east-west railway, with additional service to Levoča. Within Spišská Nová Ves, eurobus operates 15 routes through residential and commercial areas. From the bus station, you can reach Spiš Castle and the medieval streets of Levoča within 30 minutes.
